Virgin Cruises: It’s for Real, and It’s Coming to Miami

Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, has announced that Miami will be the home port for his first cruise ship, set to sail in 2020. The mogul also confirmed a deal with Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri, who will build the line’s three mid-size ships.

Each of the three ships will have 1,430 guest cabins, and accommodate 2,800 passengers, and are slated for 2020, 2021, and 2022—so yes, it’s a ways off, and exact details on the design, restaurant concepts, and specific ports of call are still to come. But knowing the British billionaire, Virgin Cruises will embrace the youthful, stylish vibe found at his new hotel brand, as well as the polished customer service and sophistication found at his top-tier resort properties at Virgin Limited Edition.

One thing’s for certain: the first ship will be making round-trip, week-long cruises to the Caribbean from Miami, pleasing beach-goers, foodies, and sybarites alike.